Ready To Become A Brainiac? Ways To Increase The Size Of Your Brain

No matter what your age, you can increase the size of your brain or boost your processing power with a few lifestyle changes. If you want to have better cognitive thinking, consider working out. Since you’re already reading this blog, I presume you already are going to my gym in Etobicoke, Ontario, so good for you. Don’t you feel smarter already? One research study at Western Sydney University found that muscle strength, measured using hand grip strength, is linked to the health of your brain. The study identified a strong link to the strength of the person’s hand grip and their ability to perform on brain functioning tests. The better the grip, the more positive the results on the test.

Studies link more than muscle strength, they link endurance, too.

There are a number of studies showing individuals improved cognitive functioning when physical activity was boosted. The studies varied in the length of time with anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes of activity improving cognitive performance. Participating in regular aerobic study shows a boost in the size of the hippocampus, that’s where the primary function of verbal memory and learning occurs. Some theories as to the reason include increased circulation and release of neuroprotective benefits and the creation of new neurons from specific proteins.

Improving your omega-3 fatty acid intake also helps.

The average diet has a disproportionate amount of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s. Some studies show that it can increase aggression. One thing is certain, you need omega-3 to boost your brain power. Salmon caught in the wild, eating meat certified by the American Grassfed Association, fish-algea-krill oil supplements, chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts all contain larger amounts of omega-3.

Consider intermittent fasting.

There are studies that show the benefits of fasting for short time periods. In fact, one study showed that just eating all your meals in an eight hour time frame and fasting the other 16 hours could bring many of the benefits. Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin resistance, while maintaining the metabolic rate. It can help boost the immune system, reduce the risk of diabetes and benefit heart health, too. Best of all, it increases the neurotropic growth factor production in the brain. That’s a protein that helps protect neurons and promotes their growth. It can boost the resistance to neurodegenerative diseases.

Learning new things can help you boost your brain power. Those benefits increase if you’re learning a musical instrument.

Who would have thought juggling could build your thinking powers? It does more than just improve hand-eye coordination, it boosts building the white matter in the brain. One study divided their subjects into two groups, those who practiced juggling a half hour a day for six weeks and those who didn’t. Those who juggled built more white matter, improving spacial awareness, regardless of how well they juggled.

Including pecans and macadamia nuts in the diet on a daily basis can provide the perfect blend of fat, carbs and protein to boost brain power.

Celery, broccoli, avocado, blueberries and beets are more than just a low calorie snacks, they also provide nutrients and reduce inflammation that can assault the brain. Adding these to your diet can protect the brain and even give it a boost.